Manager, Practice Group

The Practice Group Manager (PGM) serves as a business and operational partner to their assigned Practice Group Leaders (PGLs) and reports to the Director of Practice Operations (DPO). This position is responsible for advancing efforts related to business planning, lateral integration, attorney workload allocation and development, analysis of business development and other expenditure, and supporting day-to-day business operations. The person will also be required to make meaningful contributions to establishing the Practice Management (PM) capability by developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) or other work products. The PGM works collaboratively with attorneys and Business Services colleagues to identify issues, develop practical solutions, coordinate execution, and drive follow-through on practice group priorities.

As the requirements of the role evolve, success will require strong critical thinking, analytical skills, sound judgment, the ability to navigate complex issues, connect disparate information, and move initiatives from concept to implementation through effective collaboration and follow-through.

Essential Functions

Operational Support

• Serve as day-to-day operational resource for assigned Practice Groups (PG)
• Support recurring PG activities, including preparing materials for partner/attorney meetings, reporting, and communications
• Respond to ad hoc data requests or lead special projects; collaborating with other stakeholders as needed
• Develop SOPs, identify best practices or process improvements that should be standardized firmwide to help mature and institutionalize PM

  Business Planning & Follow-through

• Support PGL and DPO in the development of annual business plans and practice priorities including conducting or obtaining research, preparing reports, presentations or other work products as inputs to, or outputs from, leader working sessions
• Track progress throughout the year against key initiatives, flag risks or barriers for timely completion, and prepare summaries or other analyses for leadership to facilitate prioritization or prepare for meetings with leadership

  Analyses of Business Development & Other Expense ROI

• Partner with Business Development and practice leadership to track practice-related business development expenditures and initiatives
• Compile and analyze available data related to sponsorships, conferences, client programs, memberships, events, and other business development activities
• Assess outcomes against stated objectives and identify trends, lessons learned, and opportunities for improvement
• Develop reporting and practical insights to help BD team members and practice leaders and inform future spending decisions
• Support annual planning and budgeting discussions by providing historical spending and outcome information

Lateral Integration

• Coordinate integration activities for lateral Partners and other strategic hires; track progress for key meetings and milestones; partner with PGLs, attorneys and Business Service teams as needed
• Work collaboratively with People Operations to coordinate Associate integration activities
• Recommend continuous improvements to the integration plan

Associate Workload Allocation & Experience Management

• Working collaboratively with PG Development partner, capture and maintain Associate skills, interests and experience in relevant system
• Provide analyses or summaries for leadership and identify areas for improvement or increased engagement; coordinate appropriate actions with Attorney Resources

  Practice Group Financial Performance

• Working collaboratively with the Finance team and PGL on tracking financial performance metrics including monitoring time recording, billing, and collections

  Non-Essential Functions

• Assist with special projects and other tasks assigned by the Director.

  Minimum Qualification

  Required:

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, or related field.
• 5-7 years of experience in legal operations, practice management, or professional services roles
• Demonstrated ability to lead or contribute substantially to cross functional projects - from inception through implementation
• Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and comfort with data analysis tools.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

  Preferred:

• Experience in an AmLaw firm or in-house legal department.
• Experience in legal operations, practice management, business operations, consulting, or a similar business-oriented role
• Familiarity with law firm financial reporting, attorney staffing models, business development activities, and professional services environments
• Familiarity with change management practices or techniques to gain stakeholder buy-in

Success Factors

• Critical thinking
• Problem Solving
• Analytical skills
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and obtain key stakeholder buy-in for recommendations

  Work Environment

• Non-smoking environment
• May require availability beyond regular business hours
• Hybrid work arrangements may be available

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $155,000 to $165,000. The actual base salary offered will be dependent upon the applicant's experience and qualifications, as well as other job-related factors, including but not limited to, relevant skills, education, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, geographic location.

Steptoe offers a full range of benefits for you and your eligible dependents. Benefits currently include: medical, dental, vision, life, disability, dependent care, health care flexible spending accounts, 401K Plan, Profit-Sharing, Paid Time-Off and a robust Wellness Program.

Steptoe LLP is an equal opportunity employer EOE/Disability/Veteran. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, or any basis proscribed by applicable statutes.